Hollie Smith
A New Zealand vocal powerhouse whose soulful intensity and commanding presence have dominated the country's album charts for over a decade.
Born 1982 (age 44)·Musical artist·Birthday: November 17·Millennials
Biography
Hollie Smith's voice is an instrument of remarkable depth and emotional clarity, a sound that immediately commands attention. Based in Auckland, she built a reputation not through flashy pop stardom, but through a steadfast commitment to soul, blues, and roots music. Her journey was one of artistic integrity, often collaborating with respected musicians like TrinityRoots before stepping fully into the solo spotlight. Her debut album 'Long Player' announced a major talent, and she followed it with a string of chart-topping records that proved there was a vast audience for her brand of thoughtful, powerful songwriting. Smith's music, often grappling with personal and social themes, resonates because of its authenticity, making her a cornerstone of Aotearoa's contemporary music scene.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Hollie was born in 1982, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Hollie Was Born
The biggest hits of 1982
#1 Movie
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
Best Picture
Gandhi
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Hollie's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1982Born
Michael Jackson releases Thriller
Gas: $1.22/galHome: $55,200Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Physical" — Olivia Newton-JohnBest Picture: Gandhi
1987Started school
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1995Became a teenager
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
1998Could drive
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2000Could vote
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Turned 21
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2012Turned 30
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2022Turned 40
Russia invades Ukraine; Queen Elizabeth II dies
Gas: $3.97/galHome: $348,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"As It Was" — Harry StylesBest Picture: Everything Everywhere All at Once
2026Age 44 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- All four of her solo studio albums have reached number one on the New Zealand Albums Chart.
- Her song "Bathe in the River" with Mt Raskil Preservation Society became a national hit and won the APRA Silver Scroll award in 2007.
- Performed alongside and recorded with notable New Zealand artists including Anika Moa and Don McGlashan.
Did You Know?
She provided backing vocals for the New Zealand hip-hop group Fast Crew in the early 2000s.
She is a trained trumpet player.
Her album 'Water or Gold' was partially funded by a successful Kickstarter campaign.
“I don't fit a genre; the song tells me where it needs to go.”
